The 9 Best Teas for Men

Oolong has disease-fighting antioxidants, say Chinese researchers. Green may protect your gums, a 2009 Japanese study finds. And black may ward off Parkinson's disease, notes a 2008 study in the American Journal of Epidemiology. Christopher Day, tea sommelier (really!) at Manhattan's Gilt, tells you when to drink what.

How to brew: Pour 8 ounces of almost-boiling water over 1 teaspoon of leaves, and steep. (Don't use this method with pu-erh tuocha, which you should boil.) Day's preferred pot: the Finum Tea Control glass teapot ($35, surlatable.com).

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2 of 10

Genmaicha

Best for: An afternoon pick-me-up. This Japanese green tea is mixed with roasted rice kernels. It has a savory smell, almost like popcorn.

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3 of 10

Sur le Nil

Best for: After-dinner relaxing. Its flavor is more delicate than that of many green teas. Think of it as chamomile-plus, with hints of lemon and spice.

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4 of 10

High Mountain Oolong

Best for: Relaxing after work. It's made with thick tea leaves, which gives it a full floral flavor with an earthy finish—a good balance for before dinner.

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5 of 10

Wood Dragon Oolong

Best for: Guys who've quit coffee. Because it contains more stem than leaf, this strong, woodsy brew has significantly less caffeine than other oolong teas.

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6 of 10

Honey Phoenix Oolong

Best for: Wintertime defrosting. It's a robust tea, with a flavor almost like a cherry pit. That makes it sweet, with a tinge of bitterness.

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7 of 10

Vanilla Rooibos

Best for: Dessert—and not just because it's free of caffeine. You'll taste a light sweetness followed by a creamy finish.

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8 of 10

Cassis

Best for: Snapping awake on a cold morning. This black tea is rich and powerful. You'll taste black currants, with a sweet, dry finish.

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9 of 10

Pu-erh Tuocha

Best for: Coffee drinkers. It's strong and earthy, and has a kick of caffeine. The black tea comes pressed into nuggets, which break apart when you boil them.

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10 of 10

Sencha

Best for: Green-tea beginners. It's sweet and mellow, without the bitter bite of some other green brews. Sip it with sushi or dessert.

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